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Classic Aero-TV: Lightspeed Aviation’s Delta Zulu Headset

From 2023 (YouTube Edition): Advent of the Age of Safety Wearables The paramountcy of a pilot’s headset to the safety and enjoyment of flight cannot be overstated. It is the helm of his panoply, the instrument of his radiotelephony, and—thanks to the good people at Lightspeed—the ever-vigilant guardian by which his life is defended from demon carbon-monoxide. Since the introduction of its first product in 1996, Oswego, Oregon-based Lightspeed Aviation has evolved into one of the headset market’s premier innovators. In 2022, the company launched what it calls Safety Wearables—a forward-thinking amalgam comprising Lightspeed’s award-winning audio and Active Noise Reduction (ANR) systems with Kanari smart carbon-monoxide monitoring, detection, and warning technology.

Aero-News Network8h ago

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (09.17.26): VFR Terminal Area Charts (1:250,000)

VFR Terminal Area Charts (1:250,000) Depict Class B airspace which provides for the control or segregation of all the aircraft within Class B airspace. The chart depicts topographic information and aeronautical information which includes visual and radio aids to navigation, airports, controlled airspace, restricted areas, obstructions, and related data.

Aero-News Network8h ago

NTSB Prelim: Cameron Balloons A-315

When He (The Pilot) Looked Up, He Noticed That One Passenger Had Jumped Out And Was No Longer In The Basket On August 2, 2026, about 0710 Pacific daylight time, a Cameron Balloons A-315, N315U, was not damaged when it was involved in an accident near Menifee, California. The pilot and one passenger were not injured, and one passenger was fatally injured. The balloon was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 skydiving balloon flight. In a phone conversation, the pilot stated that after all the skydivers had exited the balloon and were safely on the ground, the balloon was descending. The pilot stated that it is their standard practice to open a bottle of champagne for the passengers who remained in the basket.

Aero-News Network8h ago

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (09.17.26)

Aero Linx: The Rhode Island Pilots Association The Rhode Island Pilots Association represents the GA community based at seven airports in the State of Rhode Island. Our mission is to Protect, Promote and Preserve general aviation in our state. Part of RIPA’s mission is to promote aviation safety within the entire aviation community, and we are dedicated to aviation safety. Because of this, the Rhode Island Pilots Association is a principal sponsor FAA Safety Seminars in Rhode Island.

Aero-News Network8h ago

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (09.17.26)

“Serving notice to the NMB is a necessary next step for our pilot group...” Source: Capt. Alex Kluge, chair of the Breeze ALPA Master Executive Council, addressing issues associated with Breeze Airways pilots asking the federal government to step into negotiations that have stretched on for years. The request places the National Mediation Board at the center of a labor dispute involving approximately 750 pilots. For the pilots, the next phase moves bargaining from direct negotiations into a federally overseen process.

Aero-News Network8h ago

Classic Aero-TV: Flying The Legends - Propel's Great Flying Star Wars Drones

From 2017 (YouTube Edition): Fun and Fantasy through Drone Technology… Drones come in all shapes and sizes, and we’re finding out that their design purpose is almost limitless. In this video we find a series of small drones that are based on the Star Wars movie series. While at the Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas in January 2017, ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, talked with Jack Bishop, who is the Head Development Pilot for Propel RC.

Aero-News Network8h ago

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (09.16.26)

Aero Linx: Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) Search for an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in your area. This tool provides an up-to-date listing of AMEs, based on search criteria you select. Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) AME Listing: HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) AMEs are trained in evaluating airmen for substance- or alcohol-related conditions or other mental conditions. HIMS AMEs can provide sponsorship and monitoring for such conditions when required by the FAA for medical certification purposes.

Aero-News Network18 Sept

NTSB Final Report: Avid Avid Flyer

Pilot Applied Right Rudder In An Attempt To Regain Alignment; However, Directional Control Was Not Maintained, And The Airplane Departed The Runway Analysis: The pilot reported that, while maneuvering onto the runway for takeoff in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the application of engine power during the turn resulted in the airplane overshooting the runway centerline. The pilot applied right rudder in an attempt to regain alignment; however, directional control was not maintained, and the airplane departed the runway surface.

Aero-News Network18 Sept

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (09.16.26): Compulsory Reporting Points

Compulsory Reporting Points Reporting points which must be reported to ATC. They are designated on aeronautical charts by solid triangles or filed in a flight plan as fixes selected to define direct routes. These points are geographical locations which are defined by navigation aids/fixes. Pilots should discontinue position reporting over compul sory reporting points when informed by ATC that their aircraft is in “radar contact.”

Aero-News Network18 Sept

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (09.16.26)

“The collaboration and hard work of everyone involved in the search helped locate Craig safely. We appreciate the Michigan State Police personnel who helped, as well as our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Minnesota Department of Public Safety. We’re also thankful to the fellow hikers who helped, Isle Royale Seaplanes, and No One Left Behind K9 Search and Rescue. Everyone’s efforts played an important part in finding Craig.” Source: Lt. Ben Eckola, Michigan State Police Eighth District Public Information Officer, in remarks made as the Coast Guard and Michigan State Police rescued an injured, ailing man Saturday after he went missing in Isle Royale National Park on Sept. 5. With the assistance of good Samaritan backpackers, Michigan State Police troopers and K-9 units located Craig Berg, 70, who was reportedly injured and hypothermic on Isle Royale.

Aero-News Network18 Sept

Airborne 09.16.26: Amazon Cuts 21 Air, Autonomous SkyCourier, Tourist Drones KSC

Also: SpaceX Launches 700th Falcon, Wingcopter Six Hour Recon Drone, King Schools New Look, Global 8000 Update Amazon has suspended its partnership with 21 Air after one of the cargo carrier's planes loaded with Amazon packages went off a Miami runway last week and killed five people. "After the tragic incident last weekend, we've spent time supporting the investigation and reviewing some of the surrounding circumstances, and we've decided to pause our operations with 21 Air, the operator of Flight 7598," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said a statement. North Carolina-based 21 Air had flown packages for Amazon since 2024. Textron Aviation and Merlin have unveiled the Cessna SkyCourier UX concept at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference. The idea targets a difficult logistics problem by combining substantial payload capacity with autonomous flight. Built around the FAA-certified, twin-engine Cessna SkyCourier, the SkyCourier UX pairs the production aircraft with Merlin's aircraft-agnostic Pilot autonomy system. A short drone flight near Florida's Kennedy Space Center has led to federal charges against a Chinese tourist. Investigators allege the aircraft entered prohibited airspace and captured video of sensitive spaceport facilities. The case highlights how recreational drone operations can quickly become a federal matter around protected aerospace sites. Federal authorities allege Xiaodong He operated a drone for approximately 12 minutes near Playalinda Beach in late July, reaching an altitude of about 230ft. The flight reportedly entered restricted airspace surrounding Kennedy Space Center, where civilian drone operations are prohibited. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!

Aero-News Network18 Sept

Classic Aero-TV: Albuquerque Balloon Museum -- Where Ballooning Comes Alive

From 2010 (YouTube Edition): Preserving The History Of An Amazing Facet Of Aviation ANN's phenomenal trip to Albuquerque for the 2010 ABQ Balloon Fiesta is the gift that keeps on giving... both with the memories we have of the extraordinary visual delights of that week as well as the tremendous opportunities our Aero-TV crews had to experience so much of the world of ballooning, its people and its history. One of the more intriguing aspects of that trip was our visit to the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum presents the development of ballooning through historic, scientific and artistic objects reflecting world-wide achievements in this field.

Aero-News Network18 Sept

Airborne Affordable Flyers 09.15.26: MVN Show Survives, Alto NG, King Schools

Also: RISEN SV 916 Record, Blackwing Heading To US Mkt, Nat'l Aerobatic Championships, Texarkana College & MOSAIC An Aero-News team made its way to the Midwest Aviation Expo in Mount Vernon, Illinois, this past week, and while the event has certainly seen better days, its underlying potential remains obvious. Thursday’s weather complicated arrivals, exhibitor participation was down from previous years, and several manufacturers—including some once considered regular attractions—failed to appear. Inadequate marketing appears to be a significant part of the problem. DirectFly USA’s Alto NG is a Czech-built, all-metal, two-place light-sport aircraft developed from more than 15 years of experience with the original Alto in flight schools, aeroclubs, and private ownership. The NG replaced the earlier configuration in 2022, bringing several structural and operational refinements. Powered by the 100-horsepower Rotax 912 ULS, the low-wing Alto NG has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds and an empty weight beginning around 705 pounds, depending upon equipment. Published performance includes a 97-knot cruise speed, 140-knot VNE, 41-knot landing-configuration stall speed, and approximately 1,000 feet per minute of climb. King Schools has introduced a redesigned, user-focused interface intended to make its aviation training products easier to navigate and use across multiple devices. The update applies to educational programs for pilots and aviation maintenance technicians, bringing ground-school lessons and FAA knowledge-test preparation into a more cohesive training environment. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!

Aero-News Network17 Sept

NTSB Final Report: Piper PA-34-220T

During The Landing Process, The Airplane Struck Multiple Trees And Impacted A Road Before It Came To Rest Upright Against A Tree In The Front Yard Of A Residence Analysis: The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported that during a local instructional flight, they extended the landing gear; however, the right main landing gear indicator did not show that the landing gear was down and locked. After briefly troubleshooting, they performed a low approach so the airport traffic control tower controller could observe the landing gear condition. After maneuvering near the runway, they extended the upwind leg of the traffic pattern by 2 miles before turning left crosswind. During the crosswind turn, the pilot receiving instruction advanced the power to the left engine, while the flight instructor simultaneously shut down the right engine to avoid damage to the propeller and right engine if the right main landing gear were to collapse upon landing.

Aero-News Network17 Sept

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (09.15.26): Decision Altitude/Decision Height

Decision Altitude/Decision Height [ICAO Annex 6] A specified altitude or height (A/H) in the precision approach at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established. 1) Decision altitude (DA) is referenced to mean sea level and decision height (DH) is referenced to the threshold elevation. 2) Category II and III minima are expressed as a DH and not a DA. Minima is assessed by reference to a radio altimeter and not a barometric altimeter, which makes the minima a DH. 3) The required visual reference means that section of the visual aids or of the approach area which should have been in view for sufficient time for the pilot to have made an assessment of the aircraft position and rate of change of position, in relation to the desired flight path.

Aero-News Network17 Sept

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (09.15.26)

Aero Linx: Howard Aircraft Foundation Foundation Benefits: Howard Newsletter Delivered Quarterly, Delivered electronically and via postal service. Your source for the latest in Howard news, operational, and maintenance tips. Authored and delivered quarterly. Instant Access to Howard Aircraft Drawings and Reference Material: Over 4,000 engineering drawings for the DGA series of aircraft. Over 50 technical reports used during certification. Numerous operation and maintenance manuals -- All in high resolution and available instantly.

Aero-News Network17 Sept

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (09.15.26)

“Learning technology has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, and King Schools has changed with it. We’ve always looked for ways to deliver aviation education that makes learning accessible and enjoyable. This newest interface is an important step in that evolution.” Source: Barry Knuttila, co-owner and CEO of King Schools, commenting as King Schools’ announced that their educational products now have a new, user-focused interface that provides a more intuitive way to navigate their training, track their progress and move between ground school and FAA test preparation.

Aero-News Network17 Sept

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (09.14.26)

“We haven't awarded many of these in the last few decades, as it's intended to recognize true heroism and highly exceptional accomplishment in flight which means that it should be rare and it is...” Source: U.S. Air Force Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, presided over a ceremony and presented the decorations to recipients of the DFC... Four pilots assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing, and two from the 149th Fighter Squadron, 192nd Wing, were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, for actions while deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, during a ceremony at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Aug. 31, 2026.

Aero-News Network16 Sept

Airborne 09.14.26: FAA Inspector Indicted, Too Few Fighters, RCO Shutdowns

Also: 3rd GA Flt School Arrest, Greek Astronaut, King Air Bulletin, Middle Georgia State University Two Oakland, California police officers have been indicted on charges of conspiring with a then-FAA safety inspector to obtain pilot certifications they didn’t earn, allegedly circumventing required test flights and leaving a paper trail of falsified documents. The officers, Brandon Mart and David Mac, and their co-defendant, William Miller, pleaded not guilty at a Thursday court appearance where the seven-count indictment was unsealed. The charges include conspiracy, defrauding the FAA, and falsifying records to obstruct the investigation. The USAF fighter fleet is nearly 50 aircraft short of the number required by Congress, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report. The fighter fleet inventory currently falls short of the statutory requirement of 1,145 fighters, with 1,098 aircraft currently in the fleet. The service also operates an aging and “heavily used” fleet, with aircraft averaging 27.4 years old, according to the report. The FAA has begun shutting down hundreds of remote communications outlets across the United States, with 674 ultimately slated for removal. The first wave began September 3rd, reducing a nationwide network pilots have long used to reach Flight Service. Yet 262 outlets will remain after the agency scaled back it's original plan following public feedback and additional safety assessments. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!

Aero-News Network16 Sept

Classic Aero-TV: MagniX Electrifies A Harbour Air Beaver

From 2024 (YouTube Edition): Partners Working to Commercialize the Aircraft by 2027 MagniX and Harbour Air are working towards commercialization of their battery-powered eBeaver in the United States and Canada. They expect it to enter service in 2027. The eBeaver, a De Havilland Beaver seaplane modified with magniX’s EPU, took to the skies for the first time on December 10, 2018. Since then, it has made 89 more flights and cycled through two generations of battery technology. A third version is currently in the early stages of development. The aircraft was designed to be both efficient and aerodynamic, needing a thrust setting of only 41% to maintain cruise. The battery technology allows an hour's worth of flight, including reserves, with 5 passengers and a pilot on board. It is also 20 dB quieter during every stage of flight than other prop-powered aircraft.

Aero-News Network16 Sept